Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes delivered a stellar start on Sunday against the Washington Nationals, but the team’s 3-1 win came at a cost. Burnes left the game in the fifth inning with an apparent arm injury, raising serious concerns just weeks into his debut season with Arizona.
The 30-year-old right-hander, who signed a $210 million free-agent deal this offseason — the largest in franchise history — showed flashes of brilliance before abruptly signaling to the dugout after a two-out single by CJ Abrams. Burnes pulled off his cap and stepped off the mound, clearly in discomfort.
According to reports, he was diagnosed with elbow inflammation, though initial updates from the team suggest “cautious optimism” that no significant structural damage occurred. A full medical evaluation is expected in the coming days.
A Dominant Start Ends in Frustration
Before the injury, Burnes was cruising, pitching 4.2 innings, allowing just one run on four hits, walking one and striking out six. His final pitch was clocked at 91.5 mph, slightly below his typical velocity — a sign something may have been off.
Despite early threats, Burnes held the Nationals to 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, setting the tone with elite command and poise.
Diamondbacks’ Offense Sparks Early, Then Stalls
The Diamondbacks wasted no time scoring in the bottom of the first. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled in Ketel Marte, and Eugenio Suárez followed with a towering 466-foot home run to center field, giving Arizona a 3-0 lead off Nationals left-hander Mitchell Parker.
However, the offense cooled after that early burst. Parker retired 11 straight batters until a walk by Geraldo Perdomo broke the rhythm in the sixth. Arizona missed a golden opportunity that inning with runners on the corners and no outs but failed to convert.
Bullpen Holds Strong Despite Burnes Exit
With Burnes departing early, Arizona’s bullpen was put to the test. Jalen Beeks finished the fifth, allowing one inherited runner to score but striking out Luis Garcia Jr. to contain the damage.
Cristian Mena, making his MLB debut, impressed with two scoreless innings and earned his first career win, navigating a tough sixth inning before retiring the side in the seventh. Shelby Miller and Justin Martinez closed it out flawlessly, combining for four strikeouts over the final two frames.
Burnes Injury Looms Over Key Win
While the victory snaps a four-game losing streak for Arizona and offers a much-needed morale boost, all eyes are now on Burnes’ health. The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner has been a workhorse over the past three seasons, averaging nearly 200 innings and a 3.16 career ERA across stints with the Brewers, Orioles, and now the Diamondbacks.
In 2025, he’s posted a 2.72 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 59.2 innings — living up to the expectations tied to his massive contract. But with elbow inflammation now a concern, Arizona fans are holding their breath.
The Diamondbacks now head to Truist Park to begin a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves, starting with a showdown between Zac Gallen and Spencer Strider — two aces seeking to find their form. First pitch is set for 4:15 p.m. ET.
For now, Arizona celebrates a clutch win, but the uncertain status of Corbin Burnes will be the storyline to watch as the team pushes forward in a tightly contested National League.